Eight games and counting. That's what separates the Sox from the Yankees. I am growing weary. The Sox have got to sweep today's doubleheader in order to stay ahead in the wildcard. They would also have to pull out two of three against the Yankees this weekend.

Baltimore must be inside Pedro Martinez' head. There is no other reason to explain its success against Boston's ace. Pedro is 0-2 in three starts against the Orioles this year; posting an 8.69 ERA. Last night was no exception. The Boston Herald calls the homecoming a "fiasco". I would not go that far.

Pedro did not pitch badly. He had seven strikeouts and retired the first 10 batters he faced. But he came up short.

Overall the team gets a D for lack of defense. On more than one occasion the outfielders seemed out of position. The Boston Herald reports Damon relays an explanation on at least one misplay.

However, I have got to give some credit to the Orioles. The team went out of the strike zone to grab some of its 15 hits. In one of Miguel Tejeda's at-bats, he took an outside slider to left field. A perfect pitch, an even better hit. By the time is was over, Tejeda had five RBIs.

Baltimore may not be as bad as their record suggests. Its pitching staff is improving and the offense is potent. So what's the problem? The Baltimore Sun's John Eisenberg writes, "Too many visions blind spot for Orioles." He may have a point. Clarifying who makes the decisions down there, would certainly help this team focus.

You may be able to add vision problems to Boston's list of injuries. In an attempt to fill some of the gaps, the Sox went to the transaction wire.

According to the Red Sox official site, Red Sox acquire shortstop from Cubs. Ricky Gutierrez is expected to play in one of today's games. I'm not a big fan. The Sox must be desperate. This utlity man has been all over the league and hasn't done much since 2002. In fact, he batted only .175 for the Mets when he last played at the major league level.

The Red Sox have called up the Portland Sea Dogs' Abe Alvarez to start today's first game of the doubleheader. According to the Portland Sea Dogs official site, this will be Alvarez' debut appearance in the bigs. It will also be the first start for a Red Sox lefty this year. I hope he doesn't get too intimidated by Fenway Park. It doesn't bode well for lefties, with that short right field wall. My advise, play your game and don't pitch to the park.

Another lefty has returned. Mark Malaska was called up in an effort to bolster the bullpen. The Globe reports he has a new approach to the game. It must be working, he pitched well last night, albeit for one inning. I still like him. He is a great situational pitcher.

And Kevin Youkilis also returned to the lineup and played third base in Wednesday's loss.

The club is missing Lenny Dinardo (DL), Pokey Reese (DL), Byung, Hyung Kim and Scott Williamson (DL) to name a few. Boston.com reports how the moves may impact the club.

The moves may be for naught. The Washington Post's Michael Wilbon says the curse continues for both the Red Sox and the Cubs.

I don't believe in a curse. Neither the Bambino nor the goat scare me. I'm still holding out hope that this team can pull it together. As long as the pitching staff can stay intact, we have a shot at a World Series title.

Reader Comments: Have you given up hope or do you still believe this team has the makings to be a playoff contender?

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